Are you ready to bid farewell to your home in San Diego, but unsure when it’s the perfect moment to plant that ‘For Sale’ sign on your lawn? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Homeowners second guess when the best time of year is to sell a house in San Diego, California. The California real estate market is consistently in a frenzy, leading homeowners to get shiny object syndrome when determining the right time to sell their properties.
Today, we will dispel the myths around home selling and unveil the best time of year to sell your home in San Diego that will yield you the highest return.
What is the Best Time of Year to Sell a House in San Diego?
In the swirling whirlpool of the San Diego real estate market, there’s a time when sellers can ride the wave to the best possible deal when selling a property. That timeframe is undoubtedly spring. Statistically speaking, homes listed between March and June tend to sell faster and for a higher price. The weather is delightful, the flowers are in bloom, and the buyers are out in droves.
Spring – leading into summer – is the best time of year to sell a property in San Diego CA. Children are being let out of school and parents have free time to view open houses. The spring months create the perfect storm for home sellers to get strong offers from homebuyers.
However, don’t be disheartened if springtime isn’t feasible for you. San Diego enjoys a pretty temperate climate, which makes house hunting less seasonal compared to chillier states. If spring doesn’t suit you, remember that summer and fall have their advantages too.
If there is high demand for your type of property, the time of year that you sell doesn’t matter as much. Beach town properties in San Diego County will always have hungry buyers ready to bid on them regardless of the season. Multi-family properties always sell quickly. On the flip side, trying to sell your mobile home can be a challenge even during the hot summer months.
Best Months to Sell a House in California
When we broaden our lens to encompass the entire state of California, the best months to sell a home still revolve around spring and early summer, specifically May and June. Data from Zillow, as of 2021, showed that homes sold in May fetched around 0.9% more than the average home price, and those sold in June moved 7 days faster.
As an eager homeowner, expect to sell a house in California fast when targeting May or June. To put a cherry on top, with the onset of May, people are usually gearing up for a change, children are nearing their school break, making it an ideal time for families looking to relocate without disrupting the academic calendar. Take advantage of the best months to sell your home in California by preparing things once the new year begins.
Slowest Month to Sell a Home in San Diego
Not all months are created equal in the San Diego real estate universe. If we’re to pick a slow month of the year to sell, it’s December. With holiday festivities in full swing and the occasional nip in the air, home buying takes a backseat. Fewer buyers typically equate to lower offers.
However, there’s a silver lining even in the slowest month. Buyers who are out house hunting in December are often serious prospects with a pressing need, meaning they might be more motivated to close a deal quickly.
Professional companies that purchase homes are likely your best bet when selling during December. San Diego cash house buyers continue to make offers on homes each month of the year. The holidays don’t slow their homebuying businesses down. For homeowners struggling to sell a property in December, consider reaching out to San Diego real estate investors.
Sell Your Home Now or Wait Until Next Year?
“Sell now or to sell later, that is the question.”
While San Diego’s real estate market buoyancy varies from year to year, the general trend has been upward. If your circumstances allow you to wait, it could potentially pay off in a bigger profit. But remember, real estate doesn’t just dance to the tune of seasons and market trends. Personal factors like your financial situation, job stability, and future housing plans play a significant role too.
Not all sellers have time to wait. Job relocation has been a huge factor influencing a homeowner’s decision on whether to sell a home now or wait until the following calendar year. Quickly selling a house to a buyer that’s ready to close fast can help you get out of a tough situation. Don’t wait too long if there are pressing deadlines you must meet in life.
Many San Diego residents that are part of the army, navy, and Marines are forced to sell because of their occupations. Military deployment forces home sales for army personnel that is being sent overseas. If they cannot afford to maintain the property when they’re away on deployment, selling is their best option.
Timing the San Diego Real Estate Market
If you’re looking for a golden rule to time the market perfectly, let’s burst that bubble—there isn’t one. While statistics can guide you, the San Diego real estate market can be as unpredictable as a cliffhanger episode of your favorite show.
Bonus Tip: Timing the Market
San Diego’s market is generally a hotbed of activity during spring and early summer. While December might be slow, it still has its dedicated cadre of determined buyers. Your home is more than a statistical probability. It’s very possible to still find a homebuyer during the ‘cold’ winter months. With the right market, you can sell properties without having to time the real estate market.